KUCHING: The Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta (SIDBR) 2025 recorded its highest-ever participation this year, attracting teams from 23 countries, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He said the strong international turnout reflected the growing appeal of the annual sporting event, marking a new milestone in the regatta’s history.
“According to the minister, there are 23 countries taking part – an increase in the Dragon Boat category,” he said when met by reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025 here today.
Abang Johari added that the regatta this year will be graced by the presence of the Sultan of Pahang who will be attending to witness the races.
“For our regatta next week, we will also be honoured by the presence of the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and his family, who will be attending to witness the regatta. Meanwhile, the Sultanah of Pahang will visit the craft exhibition, including our keringkam crafts,” he said.
He added that the royal visit would also mark a collaboration between Pahang and Sarawak.
“This stems from my visit to Pahang two months ago at the invitation of the Sultanah, accompanied by Head of State, Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar. We will be working together to further develop the craft industry,” he said.
Abang Johari arrived at 3:00 pm to officiate at the ceremony, which started with a doa recitation and the symbolic handover of paddles and the ‘eye-dotting’ ceremony, marking the official opening of the regatta.
The international participation has expanded this year, featuring teams from Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Egypt, the United States, Canada, England, Kazakhstan, Cyprus, Japan, Macao, Iran, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Spain, Hong Kong, China, Singapore, the Philippines, and Brunei.
Meanwhile, this year’s regatta will feature a total of 18 categories divided into two main divisions – Local and Open – with nine events in each.
The highlight of the event will be the Men’s 30-Paddler category, competing for the ‘Raja Sungai’ title and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Trophy in the Local Division, as well as the International Men’s 30-Paddler Marathon (3 km) will headline the Open Division.
The event also included the soft launch of the Borneo Craft Festival, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) through the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia).
Festival Kraf Borneo Sarawak 2025, which runs from October 24 to November 2, is one of the main highlights under the Sarawak Regatta-Kuching Waterfront Festival 2025.
The festival aims to showcase local artisans, promote traditional craftsmanship, and strengthen Sarawak’s creative economy.
